Sotheby’s announced that Princess Diana’s famed 1994 black evening gown – the so‑called “revenge dress” – will be displayed in a series of international exhibitions before it goes under the hammer on December 9.

Exhibition schedule

The dress will debut at Sotheby’s London on September 18 and remain on view until September 24. It will then travel to Hong Kong for a two‑week showing from October 1 to 15, followed by a Geneva exhibition from November 6 to 11, and finally a New York display from December 2 to 9.

Historical significance

Designed by Greek couturier Christina Stambolian, the silk, off‑the‑shoulder gown was worn by the late Princess of Wales on June 29, 1994, the night her husband, now King Charles III, inadvertently admitted infidelity in a televised documentary. By choosing a striking black dress – a color traditionally reserved for royal mourning – Diana turned the moment into a powerful statement of confidence and self‑possession.

“Fashion can be a language when words fail,” said Morgane Halimi, head of handbags and fashion at Sotheby’s. “On her own terms, Princess Diana turned the dress into one of the most powerful messages she ever made.”

Auction details

The gown is expected to fetch up to $300,000 at the December 9 auction. A rare copy of the original catalogue, signed by Princess Diana and the designer, will accompany the dress. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the NHS Lothian Charity, supporting health‑service initiatives.

Legacy and market value

The “revenge dress” helped cement Diana’s reputation for using fashion as a shield and a weapon. Its cultural impact endures, inspiring clothing lines and appearing in television series such as Netflix’s “The Crown.” Recent sales of other Diana garments have set record prices, suggesting the dress could exceed current estimates.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.